Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the area.

🕰️ Organization Hours:

Monday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Last updated on Apr 2nd, 2026

Recent Activity

💼

HST for Small Businesses

Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes leads session 4 of the Small Business Finance Webinar Series on HST for Small Businesses, Wednesday, June 10 from 9 to 10 AM. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts this online session covering when to register, how to charge and remit HST, and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls. Register at the event page to attend.

Professional Development
🌏

Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026 participation

Sarnia Lambton CEO Matthew Slotwinski is representing the region in Japan and South Korea as part of the Canada Investment Roadshow Asia 2026, working with Global Affairs Canada, the Trade Commissioner Service, and Invest in Canada. The delegation is using a Team Canada approach to connect directly with companies exploring investment and expansion in Canada, aiming to build relationships that support future regional growth.

Industry Trends And Insights
📰

SLEP June newsletter

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published the SLEP June newsletter on 2026-06-01, covering investment activities, business supports, workforce development programs, funding opportunities, and local initiatives. Read the full issue and follow actionable items at https://sarnialambton.on.ca/newsletters to stay informed about business opportunities across Sarnia Lambton.

Industry Trends And Insights
🚀

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Annual General Meeting

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Sawmill Creek Golf Course, featuring a networking breakfast and a keynote by the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff on Ontario's hydrogen economy. Registration is open to the public but required by Tuesday, June 16, 2026 via the provided registration link. Expect regional business updates and short presentations from Starter Company Plus grant recipients.

Wellness Events
🤝

Legacy & Leadership Summit: Spring Momentum

The Legacy & Leadership Summit: Spring Momentum brought Sarnia-Lambton business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together on May 27, 2026 for panels and practical sessions on growth, succession planning, and business transition. The summit, supported by Sun Life and RBC, also celebrated the Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Support Grant recipients and pointed attendees to SLEP's Business Retention and Expansion programs.

Charity Mission Updates
📈

Small Business Finance Webinar Series: Planning for Growth

Join session 3 of the Small Business Finance Webinar Series with Kelly Hill of Profit & Lattes on June 3 from 9 to 10 AM for practical guidance on forecasting and budgeting to support business growth. Presented by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, this concise online session will cover budgeting strategies and decision frameworks to help you plan and fund expansion.

Professional Development
🚀

Industrial maintenance & abrasive media selection webinar

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership presents a live webinar on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET featuring an expert panel with 10X Engineered Materials. The session covers blasting efficiency, abrasive media selection, cost reduction strategies, and safety considerations across industrial sectors, and includes a live Q&A. Register at the Sarnia Lambton events page to reserve your spot.

Professional Development
💼

Session 2 - Managing Day-to-Day Finances

Join Kelly Hill for Session 2 of the Profit & Lattes Small Business Finance Webinar Series on May 27 at 9:00 AM for practical tactics on cash flow management, financial routines, and reporting. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts this webinar, and you can register via the event page link.

Wellness Events
🤝

Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub recognition

The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, launched in April 2025 and funded by IRCC, connected newcomers with employers across manufacturing, energy, petrochemicals, and skilled trades, delivering 12 events and serving 190 participants in its first year. The initiative earned a 2026 Business Facilities EDO Award in the Mid Sized EDO category, recognizing its role in strengthening the local workforce pipeline.

Corporate Giving
💼

Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is hiring a Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager to lead programs, workshops, and one on one advisory services that support entrepreneurs across the Sarnia Lambton region. Applications are due June 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and you can learn more or apply via the provided link.

Career Opportunities
📅

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Annual General Meeting

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Sawmill Creek Golf Course, featuring a networking breakfast and a keynote from Hon. Sam Oosterhoff on Ontario energy and the hydrogen economy. Registration is required by Tuesday, June 16, 2026 via the listed registration link.

Wellness Events
📢

Office closure notice

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership office will be closed on Monday, May 18, 2026 for Victoria Day and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The organization sends warm wishes for a safe and enjoyable long weekend as the area moves into the unofficial start of summer.

General Content
🏅

Apprenticeship Award recognition for Levi Mater

Levi Mater was honored with the Apprenticeship Award at the 2026 YMCA Celebration of Youth in Sarnia, recognized for his leadership, hands on co op at Kal Tire, and experience across automotive, construction, manufacturing, woodworking, and tiling. The award, presented by Matthew Slotwinski and noted by Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, highlights local apprenticeship pathways and Red Seal opportunities for young people in the region.

General Content
🏅

Apprenticeship Award recognition and workforce pathway support

Levi Mater received the Apprenticeship Award at the 2026 YMCA Celebration of Youth, acknowledged by Matthew Slotwinski for strong skills across automotive, construction, manufacturing, woodworking, and tiling. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership highlights his co-op experience at Kal Tire and the broader role apprenticeships play in meeting local employer demand across sectors.

General Content
📊

Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is hosting a free 90 minute interactive webinar, Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business, on May 21 at 11:00 AM with Carey McMaster of TRAICON. Learn which receipts and records to keep, what the CRA expects, and simple systems for tracking income, expenses, HST, and payroll. Reserve your spot at the event page linked in the listing.

Professional Development
🚀

Annual General Meeting

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Sawmill Creek Golf Course with a networking breakfast, regional business updates, Starter Company Plus grant recipient highlights, and a keynote from the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff on Ontario’s energy direction. Registration is required in advance via the provided event link.

Wellness Events
🚀

Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus offers Sarnia Lambton entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in grant funding plus personalized coaching and local business resources. Applications open June 15 and run through July 15, 2026, with applications and full details at the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership site.

Professional Development
📣

Business Enterprise Centre services spotlight

During EconDevWeek, the Sarnia L ambton Business Enterprise Centre shared a video featuring manager Alison Minato outlining free one on one guidance, programming, and resources for local entrepreneurs. Watch the short interview to learn how to connect with advisors and sign up for services at the centre's website.

General Content
💼

Small Business Finance Webinar Series

Kelly Hill, CPA, leads a five part Small Business Finance Webinar Series on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, running from May 20 to June 17, 2026. Each session covers a focused topic, including HST and income tax planning, with registration available on the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership events page.

Professional Development
🎥

BR&E program feature: Chantelle Core staff spotlight

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership spotlights Chantelle Core to explain how the BR&E program helps local businesses navigate challenges and plan for long term success. Watch the short feature video to hear staff perspectives and visit the BR&E services page to find resources and next steps for your business.

General Content
📈

Sarnia-Lambton strategic industry sectors overview

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published a video feature on May 6, 2026 where Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr discusses the region's strategic industry sectors and investment attraction approach. Watch the interview and follow the strategic sectors page for detailed sector information and resources.

Industry Trends And Insights
📆

Creating a Content Calendar to Drive Sales

Carey McMaster of Traicon leads Creating a Content Calendar to Drive Sales on 2026-05-13 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, teaching a 30 day planning framework and tools to stay consistent across platforms. A companion webinar, Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business, follows on 2026-05-21 covering simple systems for tracking income and expenses; register via the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership links.

Professional Development
📚

Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business

Join Carey McMaster of Traicon on Thursday, May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business, a focused webinar on setting up simple, Canada compliant systems to track income and expenses. Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the session delivers practical, immediately usable tips and complements a related content calendar webinar on May 13.

Professional Development
📰

May newsletter update and subscription announcement

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published its May newsletter on 2026-05-05 with updates on local business programs, industry engagement, workforce initiatives, and upcoming opportunities across the region. Subscribe at bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter to receive future updates and stay informed about regional economic activity.

General Content
📋

Workforce development programs

Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership spotlights workforce development programs focused on local talent, youth retention, and partnerships with schools and employers. Cari Meloche explains SLEP's approach in a short YouTube video and the program hub at SLEP's work here webpage has further resources and contact pathways.

Professional Development
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